The time factor—degree of consolidation relation from the Terzaghi theory is assumed as a rectangular hyperbola over a wide range of the time factor. A new method is developed for determination of the coefficient of consolidation Cv from laboratory consolidation test data. The reliability and accuracy is shown to compare very well with the existing standard methods of Taylor and Casagrande. The time settlement curves on the semilogarithmic plots are reclassified and the new method is shown to be valid even for cases in which the curves are of shapes for which the earlier methods could not be applied. The laboratory test is rendered easier and simpler, with fewer readings required, and the initial compression does not affect the time versus the ratio of time to compression plot.

Author Information:

Sridharan, A Associate professor, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore,

Rao, AS Assistant professor in civil engineeringdeputation as research scholar, J.N.T.U. College of Engineering, Anantapur, S.Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore,